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June, 2014 – Encourage Young Girls to Be a “GEM”

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ENCOURAGE YOUNG GIRLS TO BE A ‘GEM’

South Florida Science Center launches new Girls Excelling in Math and Science Club

GEMS_Elizabeth Sinn 11
Elizabeth Sinn, 11, with a rocket she made from scratch. “Roaring Rockets” will kick-off the GEMS Club on July 29, providing girls with a background in rocketry, accompanied by a hands-on, build-your-own rocket experiment.

(WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.)  “You’re a gem” will take on a whole new meaning for participants of a new South Florida program, as the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is proud to announce the first GEMS Club in the tri-county community.  Standing for Girls Excelling in Math and Science, the club will meet every last Tuesday of the month from 5 – 7 p.m., beginning on July 29.  Open to girls in grades 3 – 8, the free club gathering is an opportunity to empower young girls to explore STEM fields.  High school girls can volunteer to be mentors in the program.

“There is tremendous attention on getting children interested in STEM fields, those focused on Science Technology, Engineering and Math,” said Kate Arrizza, COO of the Science Center.“However, the Science Center sees a special opportunity to be the first in this area to develop a program specifically targeting young girls, as they are often discouraged from pursuing these fields for their careers.”

According to the official GEMS Club website, the national organization that oversees the program, girls function differently in single gender groups, particularly when the subject material, such as math and science, can be perceived as challenging and intimidating.  “As job projections continue to show demand for these careers, with high-paying salaries attached,” she continued, “we are so pleased to offer this new program.”

With a mission to ‘open every mind to science,’ the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium features more than 50 hands-on educational exhibits, an 8,000 gallon fresh and salt water aquarium- featuring both local and exotic marine life, a digital planetarium, conservation research station, Florida exhibit hall and an interactive Everglades exhibit.  The recent recipient of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches’ Award for Non-Profit of the Year in the Arts/Culture category, the Science Center is currently hosting Mazes, through September 14, 2014, in its newly expanded exhibit hall.  The exhibition winds its way over 9,000 square-feet with more than 60 puzzles, and leads guests on an adventure through a series of interactive brain-teasers, 3-D puzzles and full body games.

The original GEMS Club was started in 1994 by Laura Reasoner Jones, a teacher and parent of two school-age daughters.Using her own personal experience with her daughters as an example of the discouragement girls face, Jones enlisted the help and support of her local elementary school and started an after school club for fifth and sixth grade girls. Since that time, more than 40 similar clubs have begun around the country, and GEMS Clubs have expanded to include both younger and older girls.

Promising a fun and engaging atmosphere, each event at the SFSCA will have a different theme and a different guest speaker, a woman who has made a career out of science, technology, math or engineering.  The first in the series,“Roaring Rockets,”provides girls with a background in rocketry, accompanied by a hands-on, build-your-own rocket experiment.  “Amazing Engineers,” on August 26, is a sweet succession to the inaugural club meeting, as girls are encouraged to explore their ingenuity by building a bridge out of candy.  Serving as the grand-finale of the summer series, “Forensic Frenzy,” on September 30, gives girls an opportunity to explore the mysteries behind science while they collect evidence and piece together the clues.

“We anticipate that the summer series will be a big hit,” continued Arrizza. “And look forward to this program continuing on an ongoing basis.”

For more information or to register for GEMS Club, please call (561) 370-7710 or visit www.sfsciencecenter.org/gems.  Registration is required in order to participate.

Located at 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach, the Science Center is open Monday – Friday from 9am-5pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-6pm.  Like the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @SFScienceCenter.

June, 2014 – Peace Essay Contest Winners Announced

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Rotary Club of Wellington Kicks off Peace Initiative with Essay Contest

On an annual basis, the Rotary Club of Wellington presents a “World Peace Initiative” to support world peace and multicultural understanding.  The initiative kicks off in March and culminates on September 21, 2014, which is United Nations World Peace Day.  On September 21, 2014, the Rotary Club sponsors a peace ceremony to celebrate the commencement of the initiative.

During the course of the initiative, many events and contests honoring world peace are conducted in the public schools in the Wellington area.  Recognition and awards for these various contests are given at the peace ceremony.

Recently, the World Peace Essay Contest was concluded.  Every high school in Wellington area are invited to participate in the contest and are encouraged to submit an essay that fosters the belief of world peace and multicultural understanding.  This year, 35 essays were submitted.  The Rotary Club narrowed down the submissions and the following students were declared winners and will receive their awards on September 21st. The students will also be invited to recite their poem at the ceremony.  Cody Lagana of WelllingtonHigh School won for his school.  His teacher is Ms. Rigalo.  Derquan James of Palm BeachCentralHigh School won for his school.    His teacher is  Ms. Ostaffe.  . Each winner will receive a check for $100.00 at the peace ceremony.  The Rotary Club wishes to thank all students and teachers for participating in the contests and congratulates all of the winners.  For more information about the Rotary Club of Wellington or to become a member, contact Bob Salerno at (561) 512-8247.

June, 2014 – Wellington Offers Cure for Summer Boredom

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Wellington Offers the Cure for Summer Boredom

Wellington, Fla. – School is out for summer! Before you pack your bags for vacation, it’s time to take a look at the fun and reasonably-priced programming offered in the Village of Wellington.

Wellington Community Center (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard) – This summer the Wellington Community Center will offer a variety of camps for ages 3 and up with the usual camp fun of games, music, arts & crafts, snacks, and more.  We also offer camps specializing in tumbling, gymnastics, cheerleading, and hip hop dance, plus all new Mad Science Camps!

Village Park (11700 Pierson Road) – Children ages 5 to 15 will have a summer to remember at Wellington’s Summer Camp which includes sporting and entertainment, animal exhibits, swimming, field trips, and much more. Other summer specific activities include the circus academy, basketball academy, speed and agility camp, fishing camp, softball camp, volleyball camp, and soccer camps.

Wellington Aquatics Complex (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard) – Dive into summer fun at this Olympic-sized pool with diving boards, water slides, an aquatic spray ground and kiddie water play area.  American Red Cross Summer Swim lessons are being offered through August 14th.  Junior Lifeguard classes begin June 9th, with 6 sessions offered throughout the summer.

Wellington Amphitheater (12100 Forest Hill Boulevard) – Entertainment lives at the Amphitheater, which will host free movies every Friday night throughout the summer, starting in June. Between June and August enjoy our “Tribute Music & Food Trucks” summer series, featuring tributes to music throughout the decades as well as artists such as Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Barry Manilow, Neil Diamond and Tom Petty.

For more information about summer programs and how to register, visit www.wellingtonfl.gov, click the Parks & Recreation icon and select Program Flyers and

 

 

 

 

Guides (http://www.wellingtonfl.gov/community/parks-and-recreation/program-guide-and-flyers.html).

 

For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch Channel 18 for the latest happenings.

June, 2014 – Wellington Art Society Showcasing Local Art

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WELLINGTON ART SOCIETY SHOWCASING LOCAL ART AT VILLAGE HALL

Wellington, Fla. – The Wellington Art Society is hosting a reception on Tuesday, June 10th, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the second floor Art Gallery at Village Hall. Artists selected to participate in the rotating gallery exhibit will be recognized at the informal reception. The Wellington Art Society will be displaying original works of art, books, and offering door prizes and prints for sale. The public is invited to attend and enjoy the local art on display.

For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch Channel 18 for the latest happenings.

June, 2014 – New Talk Added to Zoo’s Summer Schedule

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Wildlife Presentations Change Times for Summer,

New Talk Added 

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The wildlife presentations at the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society are changing show times for the summer, and a new zookeeper talk is being added to the Zoo’s current lineup. The “Wild Things Show” will move to 12 p.m. daily beginning on Thursday, June 12, 2014, and will continue to be held at that time through the end of Zoo Camp in August. A new zookeeper talk, the Flamingo Talk, will begin on June 16th at the flamingo habitat in the Florida Wetlands section of the Zoo.

As of June 1, 2014, the “Wings Over Water” bird show has been taking place at 2 p.m. every day, as well as at both 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekends.

About the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society

The Zoological Society of the Palm Beaches exists to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife and the natural world. We advance our conservation mission through endangered species propagation, education and support of conservation initiatives in the field. Our commitment to sustainable business practices elevates our capacity to inspire others.

The Palm Beach Zoo is located at 1301 Summit Boulevard in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. For more information, visit www.palmbeachzoo.org. 

June, 2014 – Kravis Center Honors Board of Directors

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KRAVIS CENTER HONORS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, LIFE TRUSTEES AND STANDING COMMITTEES

Annual appreciation luncheon features topnotch Broadway entertainment

(WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.)  Recently, a special luncheon was held in honor of the Kravis Center’s Board of Directors, Life Trustees and Standing Committee Members.  The annual event, sponsored for the eighth consecutive year, by board Vice Chair Laurie Silvers and her husband Mitchell Rubenstein. Guests were treated to a special live performance by Neil Berg’s 106 Years of Broadway, highlighting some of Broadway’s most iconic hits.

Jane Mitchell, Bill Meyer, Laurie Silvers.
Jane Mitchell, Bill Meyer, Laurie Silvers.

In her opening remarks, Jane Mitchell, Kravis Center Board Chair, welcomed guests and provided a recap of the Kravis Center’s spectacular season, spanning from Rockettes to rock stars.  The Center’s Kravis on Broadway series completed its sixth season with more than 6,000 subscribers, and more than 365,000 people attended events at the Center, with performances still ongoing.

Stephen Brown, Eileen Berman, Stuart Frankel. Photos by Corby Kaye's Studio Palm Beach.
Stephen Brown, Eileen Berman, Stuart Frankel. Photos by Corby Kaye’s Studio Palm Beach.

Ms. Mitchell acknowledged the success of the Center’s two largest fundraisers, the Palm Beach Wine Auction, which raised nearly $400,000, and the annual Gala, which raised $350,000.  She noted that leadership was instrumental to the benefits’ success, and she personally acknowledged Founder and Chair of the Palm Beach Wine Auction Ted Mandes, Gala Chair Monika Preston, Gala Honorary Chair Kathryn Vecellio and Gala Junior Co-Chairs Cameron Preston, Angela Vecellio and Tara Vecellio; and extended appreciation to Laurie Silvers and the members of the Development Committee for serving as the Gala committee. Ms. Mitchell also acknowledged and thanked Young Friends Co-Chairs Zachary Berg and Cory Valentine for their leadership as they prepared for the final special event for the season, the annual Reach for the Stars hosted by the Young Friends of the Kravis Center on April 26.

Mitchell continued by recognizing several significant donations.  “I am pleased to announce that with the recent $5 million bequest from the estate of Helen K. Persson, the Permanently Restricted Endowment Fund now has a market value of $17.3 million. I also want to thank David Kosowsky, Chair of the Information Technology Committee, for his leadership and generous donation of $500,000 to establish the Ingrid and David Kosowsky Technology Development Fund.  This fund will be used to implement the technological priorities for the Center to stay current and to become a trendsetter in this area.  By leading the technology effort with this gift, it is Ingrid and David’s intent to inspire others to also contribute to the Fund,” said Mitchell.

Ms. Mitchell then acknowledged the Standing Committee Chairs in attendance including Sidney Kohl, Audit; John Jenkins, Community Relations; George Elmore, Corporate Partners; Laurie Silvers, Development; Dr. Barbara Golden, Education Advisory; Joseph Sanches, Employee Relations and Benefits; Bill Meyer, Finance; Michael Bracci, Governance/Nominating; Dr. David Kosowsky, Information Technology; Stephen Brown, Investment; Amin Khoury, Operations; and Mark Levy and Lee Wolf, Strategic Planning.

She concluded her speech by giving personal recognition to Kravis Center CEO, Judy Mitchell (no relation to Jane Mitchell), recognizing her outstanding leadership for nearly 25 years.  She noted that Judy Mitchell will be honored at the upcoming Annual Women in Leadership Awards Luncheon, presented by the Executive Women of the Palm Beaches.

Ms. Mitchell then introduced Laurie Silvers who shared how the Kravis Center’s education program is changing the lives of students in our community and making friends around the world.  Silvers also shared about the impact exposure to the arts, at a young age, had on her life.  “How wonderful it is to know that the Kravis Center can make a child’s life more enjoyable, meaningful, and fun!   That is one of the reasons that I choose to support the Kravis Center and its education programs,” said Silvers

Later during the lunch, Judy Mitchell took the stage to address the all-star team of Board Members, Life Trustees, Committee Members and staff, noting that the Center’s business model is as healthy as ever.

“According to a recent Pollstar report, the only publication which measures the number of tickets sold by all concert venues around the world with up to 10,000 seats, ticket sales for Dreyfoos Hall consistently rank high, with the Kravis Center ranking the highest in the State of Florida.”  Ms. Mitchell continued, “In the first quarter 2014 report, the Kravis Center was the fourth largest concert ticket seller in the world among the top 50 venues.  In the year ending December 2013, the Kravis Center ranked fifteenth overall in the world, only behind such theaters a Radio City Music Hall in New York, the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and the Royal Albert Hall in London, all with much greater seating capacity.  Thank you to Lee Bell and his programming team for creating a season with something for everyone.”

To highlight the luncheon, performers of 106 Years of Broadway treated guests to a variety of numbers from some of Broadway’s most recognizable shows, including Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables and Evita.  Additionally, Janette Byadell, a performer who has starred in a variety of musicals, entertained guests with Aretha Franklin’s “You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman” and the closing number, Dreamgirl’s “And I Am Telling You.”  The crowd of art-supporters applauded with delight, as Judy Mitchell came back on stage.

“Now that 106 Years of Broadway has you in the mood, remember to tell all your friends about our exciting 2014-2015 Kravis on Broadway season.  The seventh season is packed with Tony Award-winning shows, including The Book of Mormon, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Flashdance the Musical, Anything Goes, Memphis and Pippin.”  She continued, “Let me close by saying I truly am fortunate to work with so many hard working and dedicated Board, Life Trustees and Committee members.  You make the Kravis Center a special place, and there is no question that with your continued dedication and generosity the Center will remain the premier performing arts center in the Southeast with a growing national and international reputation.  Thank you for joining us today.”

Centrally located in West Palm Beach, the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is one of the premier performing arts centers in the Southeast with a renowned national and international reputation. Established as a leading force in the social fabric of the community, its many outreach programs are as broad and varied as the community itself. To date, the Center has opened the door to the performing arts for approximately 2 million school children.

For general information about the Kravis Center, please visit the Center’s official website kravis.org or call the box office at (561) 832-7469.

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Photo credit: Corby Kaye’s Studio Palm Beach

June, 2014 – Shulamit Travels to Whole Foods

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Shulamit Takes Field Trip to Whole Foods Market

Shulamit-WF

June, 2014 – Dressage Trainer Offers Summer Training Specials

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Dressage Trainer Kerensa Muller Offers Summer Training Specials

Wellington, FL (June 4, 2014) – Any rider looking to improve their dressage skills and preparing to brave out the Florida summer heat will now have some relief in their training bill as Kerensa Muller, a internationally educated dressage rider and trainer, is offering a number of training specials.  Muller’s discounted rate will run through August, and is completely customizable for each client.  Whether your horse needs full board and training, or if you’d prefer for Muller to travel to your farm to teach, her flexible schedule allows for her to accommodate any horse and rider combination.

Muller has trained with some of dressage’s biggest names.  Originally from Holland, she spent 4 years with Sjef Janssen, the Dutch National Olympic Team coach, before moving to the United States with Carol Grant.  She spent 5 years with Grant before striking out on her own.  Since they she has attended clinics with Debbie McDonald, Hank van Bergen and trained with George Williams, Oded Shimoni, and Arlene “Tuny” Page, resulting in a very well rounded dressage background.  In addition to training for the FEI levels of dressage, she has also been successful in helping jumper riders strengthen their flatwork.  From this strong foundation, Kerensa has trained and shown many horses with great success, including riding for the Dutch team during the 2014 Nations Cup CDI*** at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival.

In addition to such a diverse background in dressage, Muller also holds a masters is psychology, which makes her an exceptional trainer and coach of riders in addition to her ability to develop horses.  She also has been working with a number of professionals on ‘horse mirroring,’ which combines psychology and horses.  Her LBR Stables is located in Deer Run off of Lion Country Safari Road, a short walk to White Fences and their circuit of summer shows.

“I wanted to offer something for riders looking to keep their horses in work while their regular trainer goes north for the summer,” said Muller.  “I’ve worked with many of the trainers here in Wellington and Loxahatchee and enjoy keeping horses fit for next year’s winter circuit.”  In addition Muller’s training package includes coaching at shows for both horse and rider.

For more information on summer rates, contact [email protected] or 561 758 8101.

June, 2014 – Wellington Summer Softball Academy

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Wellington Summer Softball Academy

Wellington, Fla. – Get ready for softball season with the Wellington Summer Softball Academy! Coaches Staci Gould, Donna Burnett, Kelly Burnett and Jennifer Marietta of FastPitch Fever will be teaching kids the skills they need for success by emphasizing sportsmanship, leadership and individualized skill enhancements through drills and scrimmages.

The Wellington Summer Softball Academy is for kids 5 to 14 years of age. The cost for the academy is $85 for Wellington residents and $106 for non-residents and runs June 30th through July 3rd from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Tiger Shark Cove softball fields.

Register online at www.wellingtonfl.gov or in-person at Village Park, 11700 Pierson Rd. Wellington, FL 33414. Registration deadline is June 27th, 2014. Space is limited, so register today!

For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch Channel 18 for the latest happenings.